Archive for the 'Test Prep' Category

Turning Skimmers into Scholars: Fundamentals for Strong Writers and Critical Readers

You’ve heard the clarion calls before: ensure reading is a daily habit. But just how important is becoming a voracious reader? Are good reading habits really so closely linked with success?

You bet! The stories are true: everyone should be reading constantly—and yes, especially over the summer. Continue reading ‘Turning Skimmers into Scholars: Fundamentals for Strong Writers and Critical Readers’

Changes Coming to the SAT

An important announcement from the president of the College Board:

Continue reading ‘Changes Coming to the SAT’

Applying to Private Schools? What you should know about the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT

While resources for the SAT and ACT sometimes seem limitless, the amount of publicly available information about middle school and high school entrance exams is not nearly as prevalent. This article will break down three popular middle school and high school entrance exams: the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT. Continue reading ‘Applying to Private Schools? What you should know about the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT’

What is the PSAT?

As students enter 10th and 11th grade and the specter of college admissions testing looms on the horizon, the first test that most students take is the PSAT. Because many schools administer the PSAT during school hours, the PSAT often creeps up on unsuspecting students who have little conception of what to expect. So, what exactly is the PSAT? Is it the same as the SAT? Does it count for anything? Should students prepare for it? This article will answer your questions about the PSAT. Continue reading ‘What is the PSAT?’

When Is the Best Time to Take the SAT or ACT?

When is the best time to take the SAT or ACT? Should you get it over with early, at the end of 10th grade or start of 11th grade?  Should you take it your junior spring, along with most other students? Should you wait until senior fall in order to benefit from the knowledge you will gain in 11th grade? Continue reading ‘When Is the Best Time to Take the SAT or ACT?’

The New ISEE: Changes to the Independent School Entrance Exam

Along with the SSAT, the ISEE is one of the most popular tests taken by students applying to private schools. The SSAT and ISEE used to be nearly identical tests. However, in the fall of 2009, the ISEE changed significantly, particularly the Middle Level and Upper Level versions of the ISEE. These changes, which are most prominent in the two math sections of the ISEE, have drastically altered the nature of the ISEE and the preparation regimen necessary to succeed on it. Continue reading ‘The New ISEE: Changes to the Independent School Entrance Exam’

The Cardinal Education Math Workbook for ISEE, SSAT, & HSPT Prep

Cardinal Education believes in the social value of a strong public education system and sponsors pro bono programs to bring private sector expertise to bear. However, government fiscal policies are short-changing public schools of opportunities: activities, sports, variety of classes, advanced classes, student-teacher ratios, and counseling departments. The “private school imperative” means that despite economic trends, admission to private school is becoming so competitive that it necessitates standardized testing excellence. Continue reading ‘The Cardinal Education Math Workbook for ISEE, SSAT, & HSPT Prep’

Getting Extended Time on the SAT and ACT: Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities

While college entrance exams are stressful for most high school students, the SAT and ACT can be particularly daunting for students with learning disabilities. Fortunately, students who take the proper steps can ensure that they receive all of the proper accommodations on the SAT or ACT. This article will explain to students the steps they will need to take to receive accommodations on the SAT or ACT and how they can make the most of those accommodations in order to maximize their standardized test scores. Continue reading ‘Getting Extended Time on the SAT and ACT: Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities’

The Benefits of Using Official SAT Tests and Material

Most large test prep companies produce their own practice SATs. They generally sell those practice SATs as part of prep books, in addition to using the same practice SATs in their classes and tutoring sessions. While numerous practice tests may make a prep book or an SAT class sound more impressive, there are several reasons to be wary of companies that create their own materials instead of using official SAT material created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Continue reading ‘The Benefits of Using Official SAT Tests and Material’

How to Prepare for Final Exams Without the Stress and Panic

As the semester draws to a close, the looming threat of finals weighs heavily on the minds of students. At the end of each semester, students stress, panic, and cram. This time, try a different approach. Follow these easy tips for stress-free finals. Continue reading ‘How to Prepare for Final Exams Without the Stress and Panic’